Ten Thousand Books, But Only One You

Side Story: 10 Three Worlds In Exchange For An Access Pass (2)

Chapter 10: Three Worlds In Exchange For An Access Pass (2)

That evening, Hong Shan delivered a bottle of osmanthus wine to Qian Siyu. She didn't question her friend's strange behaviour, but she suspected that it had something to do with Wending. Although she did not display her eagerness to cooperate outwardly, she was actually silently supporting Qian Siyu.

Anyone who had eyes could see that the Valley Master fancied this Xue-guniang that had so boldly and publicly declared her admiration of him.

Initially, the Valley Master had treated his new personal maidservant somewhat indifferently; but as the days passed it soon became clear that he treated her differently from everyone else. Not only did his tone and gaze change to exude affection when he spoke to and looked at her; but he also spent more and more time with her—having meals with her, teaching her calligraphy, sharing his hobbies with her, bringing her along to his work engagements. Hong Shan postulated that Qian Siyu's relentless and shameless pursuit of him had slowly moved his heart.

Hong Shan was born in Moon Valley Sect about twenty years ago and had never heard of the Valley Master having any female relations. Everyone had betted that Xue-guniang would not last more than three days serving the Valley Master, but they were proven wrong. Thus, when people around her started gossiping about the Valley Master's personal matters, Hong Shan was naturally excited and supportive—even more so since her friend was the love interest. Unfortunately, what stood between them was this person named Wending.

At the same time, who knew what went through the Valley Master's head. He had the authority to order Wending to stand down while he courted Xue-guniang, but he didn't. He simply allowed Wending to be a third wheel. But maybe... there were some truth to the rumours too that there was something special between the Valley Master and Wending?

If that were so, then the Valley Master was scum, wanting both men and women.

But of course, Hong Shan kept these thoughts to herself.

Handing the bottle of alcohol to Qian Siyu, she whispered cryptically, "I heard that adding some of this to tonight's soup would boost its flavour."

Eyes sparkling at the white glossy porcelain bottle in her hands, Qian Siyu beamed at her. "Is that so? How much should I add for the desired flavour?"

"Just a few drops would do. But to be safe, I would recommend a spoonful of it for the extra fragrance."

"Hmm... a spoonful?" Qian Siyu rubbed her chin thoughtfully.

Alright then, a spoonful it is. Tonight, she would sneak into the kitchen to add a spoonful of the wine to the soup, using the largest ladle she could find.

***

A full moon hung high in the dark sky as the night wind howled through the valley.

Deep within the maze of caverns and chambers, however, the Valley Master's abode was enveloped in the usual tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

The only thing that was different this evening was that instead of Wending who attended to the Valley Master, it was his maidservant who appeared in his chamber.

Qian Siyu knelt down by the table with an inkstick in her hand, casting furtive glances at Huan Yi as she ground ink in an inkstone.

Dipping his brush into the fresh ink, Huan Yi's gaze fell on the strangely silent girl beside him. He inhaled sharply and rested his brush down on the table. Sensing his restlessness, she froze as her head snapped up to stare at him.

Studying the pair of black pupils that were unhidden by the mask with a taotie monster motif, Qian Siyu couldn't help but let go of the inkstone to reach out towards his face.